RANCHO CUCAMONGA >> Randy Ortis, the man convicted in the deadly November 2011 Charlie Jewell’s shooting in Redlands, was sentenced Friday to 99 years to life in state prison.

The sentence was delivered in West Valley Superior Court by Judge Victor Stull after victim impact statements were read by the mother and sister of Kruze Levusi Kuaea, who was killed in the shooting.

Both women described Kuaea as a happy-go-lucky 22-year-old who was a role model to his siblings and a person that they could always count on.

“Kruze was the type of person who would walk out of a restaurant with food to go and give it to a homeless person,” said the Calimesa man’s mother, Maricia McClendon, as she wiped tears from her face. “I believe everything happens for a reason and God is in charge. And if Kruze dying means that someday you will find salvation and accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior, then his death was not in vain.”

McClendon looked at Ortis as she read her statement and said that the shooting not only changed her family, but his as well.

Charges included first-degree murder, attempted murder and assault with a firearm.

City cameras pointed at the downtown bar’s front entrance captured the shooting and Ortis was arrested in San Bernardino on Nov. 26, days after Redlands police had released surveillance footage shot outside the tavern.

Charlie Jewell’s later closed and was reopened as Darby’s American Cantina under new ownership.

The shooting occurred just before 1:30 a.m. after two groups of men were seen fighting inside the bar.

Those involved in the fight were escorted by security outside where more words and blows were exchanged.